Massage has slowed and strengthened the human body since antiquity. It focuses on stretching and manipulating soft tissues like muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin for wellness and health. Recently, it has been increasingly popular to use massage therapy to treat erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is the condition that interferes with a man’s ability to raise his penis or preserve it for sex. In this article, let’s see what you should know about massage therapy and how it can be used for ED treatment.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is a prevalent condition, affecting more than 30 million men in the US alone. It consists of not being able to get or keep an erection in order to have good sex. Diabetes, heart disease, hormonal imbalances, stress and anxiety are some of the factors that can trigger ED, both physically and psychologically. It may also be a side effect of medication or as a result of a fracture or surgery.
How Does Massage Therapy Work?
Massage Therapy involves pushing and pulling on the body’s soft tissues. This can be done by hand, through a massage therapist, or mechanically using rollers and vibrating apparatus. There are various massage techniques such as Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massage, each of which provides a different benefit. Massage Therapy works by increasing blood circulation, reducing tension, and promoting relaxation and health.
What Are The Side Effects of Massage On Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction can be treated both physically and psychologically through massage therapy. Here are some of the possible ED-reducing benefits of massage therapy:
1. Increased Blood Flow
Poor circulation to the penis is one of the prime causes of ED. Massage improves blood flow, which makes it a viable option for erectile dysfunction. Massage makes the blood vessels more active, and allows the dilating effect to increase the circulation of blood which is an essential factor in getting and keeping an erection.
The process can, in particular, focus on areas of scars and adhesions and vascular dysfunction. So, massage therapists can restore normal function in an attempt to cure erectile dysfunction caused by vagal problems.
2. Reduced Stress and Anxiety
It is impossible to rule out a psychological connection between erectile dysfunction and psychological factors. Most men with ED have more stress and anxiety that makes their condition worse. Massage therapy has been reported to lower the stress hormone cortisol and boost mood-boosting hormones such as serotonin and dopamine.
This hormonal equilibrium reduces anxiety, which in turn improves sex. The comfort of massage helps make the situation calmer and usually gives them time to focus on being intimate, instead of focusing on pressure of performance.
3. Relaxation of Muscles
Excess muscle tension (especially the pelvic diaphragm) causes erectile dysfunction. Massage therapy aims to unwind muscles and relax tension, and Swedish massage is one of the main instruments to achieve this goal. Inducing relaxation in the pelvic floor muscles, massage increases blood flow to the genitals, which can go a long way towards achieving a more erectile response.
Deep tissue therapy can help alleviate the long-term stress that is limiting good sexual function. Generally, rest will encourage both bodily relaxation and emotional openness to sexual experience.
4. Increased Sensitivity
An additional advantage of massage in the area of reproductive health is its role in making the genitals more sensitive. This is because massages, by stimulating nerves and tissues, can induce sexual excitement and enjoyment. Through heightened sensitivity, men with erectile dysfunction can attain erections quickly and sustain them longer, thus overcoming some of the limitations of their disease.
Second, increased body consciousness, among other sensations, greatly improves sex and restores confidence by countering feelings of inadequacy caused by ED.
5. Psychological Benefits
Much of the naturalistic approach of massage therapy has to do with the psychological repercussions: physical rest often translates into increased self-esteem and mood, both important components of proper sexual function. Men undergoing massage therapy can report an improvement in their mental health that reduces stress from performance demands.
Perhaps combining it with massage can help not only cultivate the physical relaxation associated with more blood and less tension but also more emotional strength, and thus more intimate connections.
What are the Risks of Erectile Dysfunction Massage Therapy?
Though massage is typically harmless, there are some risks involved. These include:
1. Loss: If not done by a certified and licensed massage therapist, you may suffer from pain caused by too much pressure or improper techniques.
2. Medications: Some medications (including blood thinners) can make a massage painful or lead to bruising or bleeding.
3. Antibiotic Intolerance: Some individuals are allergic to some oils or lotions applied during a massage and it may cause irritation on the skin.
Before beginning any new treatment such as massage therapy, be sure to speak to your healthcare provider to make sure it is safe and the right treatment for you.
Conclusion:
Erectile dysfunction is one of the most prevalent disorders that can compromise a man’s quality of life. There are several different treatments, ranging from medication to therapy; one such intervention is massage, which was researched and established as an option or complement to treating erectile dysfunction. It is also shown to have beneficial effects on the physical and mental components of erectile dysfunction, such as enhanced blood circulation, reduced stress and anxiety, and improved sensitivity. But always consult a physician before trying massage therapy to make sure that it is safe and appropriate for your condition. This way, massage therapy might become an option for the erectile dysfunction sufferer.
